"From my point of view I look at it as an attack on India, not on Mumbai. It is an attack on India and it should hurt every Indian, not only people from Mumbai," Tendulkar said in a news conference of the gunmen who killed 179 people.

"We are Indians and that is how I look at it. I would like to dedicate this hundred to all those people who have gone through such terrible times.

Tendulkar said that this hundred, his 41st in Tests, was one of his best.

"This is something that I wanted to do - score a hundred in the fourth innings and win a match for India," he added.

"I've scored a hundred in the second innings, but to actually win a match, play the winning shot, that was something I wanted to do. This makes it really, really special.

"It's something every batsman dreams of. I would rate this hundred as one of the best, for sure."

He went on to praise England, who returned to India after having returned home in the wake of the attacks in late November.

"I'd like to thank England for coming back to play test cricket. We've witnessed a wonderful test match. People are again enjoying cricket the way it's meant to be," he said.

"In no way am I trying to say that this will make everyone forget what happened in Mumbai," Tendulkar said.

"What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate and I don't think by India winning or me scoring hundreds people who have lost their dear ones and loved ones would feel better.

"It's a terrible loss for all of them and our hearts are with them. All I can say is that in whatever way we can contribute to make them feel better we'll make that effort."